Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
O*NET 25-2021.00 · SOC 25-2021
Elementary School Teacher is a risky career choice. Median pay is $64k a year with -0.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 87,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Develop lesson plans aligned to state standards
- →Teach core subjects to diverse student groups
- →Assess student progress through tests and projects
- →Communicate with parents on student development
- →Create inclusive and engaging classroom environments
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Elementary School Teacher roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Elementary School Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Elementary School Teacher?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Elementary School Teacher Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education is projected to decline 0.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Elementary School Teacher make?
The median Elementary School Teacher earns $64k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Elementary School Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Elementary School Teacher at 23 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 46% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Elementary School Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 87,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Elementary School Teacher?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Elementary School Teacher roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Elementary School Teacher?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Elementary School Teacher career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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